It took all of five minutes to get to their destination with a portkey, they landed in the grand lobby of the Magical Cairo Alley hotel (and restaurant) a five star hotel. Tom would only conceive staying in the best of hotels, and anything less would not do. They deserved the best, they worked hard to accumulate their money, so in his book it was a must.
"I must admit it's beautiful," Hadrian said, glancing around in awe, Fenrir was copying his actions, the place was resplendent. This was where they would be living for the duration of their trip, returning home just in time for the Full Moon then of course, Abraxas and Imogen's wedding. Fenrir would always spend his full moons in Slytherin-Peverell manor, where he was safe. They wanted him to associate it with fun, happiness and a safe place.
"I picked well then?" Tom asked smugly, as he approached the desk, speaking to the witch manning the desk, in English. Informing her of whom they were, in order to receive their room keys.
"You did, and you know you did," Hadrian said wryly, rolling his eyes at his husband. Honestly, the way he coveted everything, especially the best should be concerning. At least he didn't need to steal or kill in order to get what he wanted these days, money opened a lot of doors and allowed those to part with their precious items.
"Is there a pool?" Fenrir asked, craning his neck and taking everything in with wide eyed excitement.
"I'm sure there are two," Hadrian nodded, "One inside and one outside," thankfully unlike Muggle hotels, the place wasn't overwhelming with people, so they'd be able to actually use it without having to be there at the crack of dawn to get a chair. Fenrir had never been somewhere so repentant, the Greyback's had been piss poor by the time the child was born, and the moment he became a werewolf… they hadn't wasted a single Knut more on him. They'd abandoned him, and then sold a story on him, that would never be accepted.
'Don't you worry about them,' Tom declared mentally, his voice edging into darkness, 'They will pay with their impudence with their lives.'
'Good,' Hadrian stated firmly, nobody hurt his boy and got away with it, and it was also very revealing that Tom had also begun the process without him having to ask. Tom cared for Fenrir a great deal than he liked to pretend. 'Nothing too quickly I hope?' he wasn't that golden boy anymore, wasn't afraid to do what needed to be done to protect his family.
'No, but by the time we return, they will be dead' Tom stated, lips tugging just so, showing he was immensely pleased with himself.
"If you'll follow Aions, he will see you to your room, Sirs," Cliupatra gestured towards Aions who she passed the key over to, the penthouse suite, it was unmistakable where it was, but nonetheless, they would show their guests to their rooms. "Welcome and I hope you enjoy your stay with us,"
"I'm sure we will Cliupatra, thank you," Hadrian said, surprise flittering over her eyes, he'd said her name correctly, most people stumbled over it or just mangled it to pieces. She nodded pleased, smiling at her newest guests.
"No bags?" Aions asked, staring at them.
"Shrunk down," he gestured towards his pocket with a smile.
Aions smiled, "Follow me," and with that they were on their way.
"Can we go right to the pool?" Fenrir asked, jumping a little as the elevator hummed and rode them to their destination, the very top of the building. They were going too fast for them to even bother putting music in the elevators like the Muggles so liked doing. clinging tightly to Hadrian's hand, big gold eyes staring up at Hadrian. Nothing like the empty, mad, soulless eyes of the adult Fenrir and he was determined to see to it that they never made an appearance.
Hadrian grinned, yeah, he got it, it was boiling hot, maybe they should have changed before using the Portkey. He'd feel a little better in his shorts and t-shirt, so would he for that matter. "Yeah, why not?"
Tom sighed, wonderful, their first day was going to be wasted at a poolside.
"Meanwhile, Tom why don't you find out about the markets and their opening times and when it's best to go when there's a general lull? We can visit the closest one later this afternoon?" Hadrian asked his husband, eyes gleaming with amusement. He doubted very much Tom would be kept away from anything that struck his fancy. He definitely didn't want to be stuck in a hotel, he wanted to be out there investigating, he had a feeling they'd be separating a few times when Fenrir just didn't want to do any more walking.
Placated, he nodded curtly, "I'll do that," he declared, and the elevator doors opened, allowing them to step right out and to their doorway, Aions, dressed smartly in his work wear, opened the door for them, allowing them entrance. "If you need anything, or wish to order room service, instructions are by the speaker, here," he informed them, "Just input numbers and you're good to go."
"Perfect, thank you, Aions," Hadrian said, handing over two gold coins, "Much appreciated,"
"You're welcome sir," Aions said, his glee hidden as he pocketed the tip, understanding the unspoken communication between them. His services were no longer needed and he was free to leave, so that's exactly what he did, not wishing to anger their guests. He couldn't afford to lose his job after all, and these were obviously well connected, wealthy clients, the ones who could afford the penthouse of this hotel always were.
He closed the door with a quiet click behind him.
Hadrian flicked his hand and the trunks emerged from his cloak, and the everything held within begun to fly out and into position. Most of it was clothes, since they were indeed on holiday. Their toiletries flew into the bathroom, deodorant and aftershave following. Books, paperwork – they were never without paperwork – correspondence that had arrived via owl and letters they'd yet to get through – and would do so while they had a minute to spare but it wasn't a priority for them. this was a celebration. They'd graduated Hogwarts, passed their exams, it was time to relax before they got back to real life.
Weeks of fun and sun.
Now Hadrian had seen Tom in every conceivable form of dress, including undressed. However, when he walked out in a pair of sandals, black shorts and white tee Hadrian gaped. He was always so prim and proper, to see him dressed so casually was a shockingly hot.
Tom just smirked smugly, very well aware of the reaction he had gleaned from his husband and relishing in his ability to still gain that reaction.
"Go get your trunks and a t-shirt on," Hadrian urged him playfully, giving Tom one last look before he headed to their room to change too, "Light colours!" he called out to Fenrir. Giving Tom a quick kiss before he disappeared into his room.
"Uh-huh!" Fenrir practically squealed out, muffled by his clothes over his face.
Hadrian laughed a little, shaking his head, a soft smile on his face as he changed for a sit around the pool. He decided to leave everything to do with paperwork. He wanted to enjoy his holiday, not have Fenrir remembering it with him reading or head stuck in a book or stuck writing. Fenrir was coming out more and more every day, his true personality shining through, no longer always scared. It was good to see.
Once dressed, he was about to leave before he decided just the one book. It was for pleasure reading though, not work or anything like that. He wasn't going to spend all day in the pool, but he intended to catch the sun for a few hours until Tom found a market close by for them to investigate.
Tomorrow they'd look at digs and temples to go see, he wanted to experience another culture, for Fenrir to experience it, to see the look of awe and joy on Tom's face. He'd always wanted to investigate other magicks' he'd spent his late teen years and twenties roaming around investigating everything. He wanted to let Tom do that, experience it, but without ending up completely lost and enthralled in all Magicks was capable.
"Meet us at the pool?" Hadrian suggested, knowing Tom was going to gather every possible suggested place that he was slightest bit interested in. He was rather looking forward to seeing what Tom chose…this was going to be new for both of them. Nobody knew what 'Voldemort' had done during his trips abroad. The places he'd visited the magic he'd learned. Britain was the only magical community that branded their magic as light or dark with secondary meanings of good and evil. It wasn't as prevalent yet, and hopefully never would be. Hopefully Dumbledore wouldn't get the opportunity to sabotage the magical world…or turn it into his own version.
"In fifteen to twenty minutes," Tom promised easily, as Fenrir bounced back into the room, wearing exactly what he should. Hadrian nodded his approval, good, he was glad to see that he was doing as asked and behaving despite his excitement.
"Behave, and stick close to Hadrian," Tom told Fenrir, who nodded solemnly, silently promising to be a good boy and make sure nothing hurt Hadrian. They shared a secret mission in life, golden eyes gleamed just as Tom's dark ones did, then Tom winked. Fenrir brightened immediately after, and that was it.
Fenrir eagerly followed them into the elevator again, and rode it down back to where they came. Excitement thrumming through him, watched as Hadrian and Tom kissed before parting ways, Fenrir eagerly waved at Tom not at all deterred by the nod.
"Come on then," Hadrian said, staring down at the young boy, he'd never seen him so exuberant. This had been one of the best ideas they'd ever had. Perhaps there was a chance that Fenrir could be a normal young kid, unburdened by his werewolf status. Would that change if they stayed in Britain and people kept sneering at him? Giving him cutting remarks? How did you toughen a child up without stealing their innocence? They wanted to make him strong enough to withstand what society would throw at him but make sure he understood love and acceptance too. It was a delicate balance wasn't it? One he wasn't even sure they could walk the tightrope on. neither Tom nor himself wanted to abandon Britain for somewhere else, not even France…but for Fenrir's sake they'd do anything.
Then again with their reputation…nobody on the 'dark' sect would dare to say anything…and the light? Well, they'd learn pretty damn quickly that anything said to his son would be the last thing they did.
Fenrir squealed, "Can we get the crocodile floaties?" he asked hopping on the spot before calming down in the space of a few seconds, reminding himself.
Hadrian stared at Fenrir, "Floaties?" he asked him baffled, was that some sort of breakfast cereal? Coco puffs?
Fenrir pointed to the crocodile floaties, it was a gift shop that held all sorts…but also held dozens upon dozens of swimming items from swim-wear, goggles to floats – such Anubis donut floats – and of course the arm bands, crocodile arm bands. Only these ones were spelled to make sure you never go underwater, and that they couldn't come off, with young hands trying their luck. Unlike the Muggle ones they couldn't offer the same amount of protection.
"Ah, alright, here, you go get them, I'll be at the door," Hadrian said, as Fenrir blasted into the gift shop and was quick to snatch his allotted item in his hands before going to the check out. Handing over the Galleon that Hadrian had given him moments prior. The wizard – bless him – made sure Fenrir wasn't on his own, his concern melting away as he gave him his change and waved goodbye.
Hadrian gave him a nod, before he and Fenrir were off again, and quickly both of them, stared agog at the scene in front of them. It wasn't just a pool, there was literally everything, an underwater adventure pool with transfigurations available to turn you into any animal you like with gills of course and supervised. Normal pools with balls and noodle floats strewn around flumes – water slides – and a kiddie pool and another pool farther up doing aerobics children style and they were loving it by the looks of it. In the Muggle world you'd find two of these things only in the area…this was vast…it was a good job the magical world could keep up with so many children and adults without fear of losing a child to the rapids of the water.
"Can we play ball?" Fenrir asked, not afraid to ask for what he wanted, and it wasn't because Hadrian would never say no to him – even though he knew that – but because he'd been taught he was important and not to be seen and 'not heard' as his parents had demanded of him.
"That is volleyball," Hadrian corrected him, it was in the child's pool, the net small enough that they could enjoy playing without being frustrated at not getting it over. That particular pool was empty right now, most of the kids were in the aerobics class, shrieking with laughter, as they did the most absurd poses including handstands and karting wheels. They had to have taken Gillyweed or bubblehead charms. He couldn't make it out from this far, plus their heads were facing their instructors when they weren't submerged in the water. It was the wrong direction for him to see. "Come on then,"
With that Fenrir and Hadrian made a beeline for the pool, getting Fenrir into his 'crocodile' armbands, not that he'd need them yet, but he'd wanted them on. Hadrian just shrugged, if he wanted them on why stop him? He added a spell to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun.
Pretty soon the pair lost track of time, with the sun beating down on their back and having fun.
--------0
Tom lips twitched into a small smile, thankfully hidden behind the pamphlets, his husband's emotions bleeding strongly through their bond. It was simple childish glee, happiness, if it was anyone else they would have been judged nine ways to Sunday for being so Juvenile. Hadrian wasn't everyone, he was quite simply Tom's weak spot, his anchor to emotions, and quite frankly what had stopped Tom becoming the monster in the pensive. Even to Tom that Voldemort had been a monster, it was so far from what he wanted it was horrifying. The pureblood lines that had bit the dust…the amount of magical blood spilled. He wanted the magical world to embrace all magic, to expand, flourish and be capable of so much more. He and Hadrian were already helping with that.
Weakness or not, Tom didn't care, his husband could take care of himself…they both could. If anyone made the mistake of thinking to go after Hadrian because of Tom they'd find out who was in actuality the more ruthless when angered.
Although ruthless, definitely wasn't an emotion he was feeling right now. After taking some of the suggestions from Cliupatra regarding the more popular digs and temples he felt he had enough to last them the entire duration. He was looking forward to some more than others, and the thought of all the magic he could learn that the UK did not approve of. They were so backwards it was ridiculous really.
"Thank you," Tom replied, giving her his usual charming and utterly devastating smile, one that Hadrian had to stifle his laughter when he used it on the unsuspecting public. Hadrian had said, 'Quite frankly, if they were dogs their tails would be wagging, their tongues would be out and they'd be drooling excessively'. If he wasn't wrong, he believed Hadrian had been quite jealous, but it was more of a burst of unsuspecting jealousy than anything else. it had surprised Hadrian as much as it had surprised Tom. Almost as if Hadrian never wanted anyone to see that smile except for him. For Hadrian though, the genuine smiles were only for him.
He didn't wait for her to reply, he turned swiftly and left, a handful of leaflets for different places all over Egypt. The sheer size and number of magical areas in Egypt was staggering, it truly was. Britain's magical society was squeezed tightly into one area, giving them Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley. True, that would change once the construction of Peverell-Slytherin orphanage was complete and businesses sprung up around it. still even with the two magical places…it was nothing compared to the amassed society of magical's in Egypt. Even with the time on their hands, they were never going to be able to visit absolutely everywhere it had to offer. Which meant, they had to return for definite.
He wanted to thoroughly investigate everywhere, it would allow them to expand their plans and ideas and incorporate new ones. Things had been working here for eons they knew how to make it work. The British magical world was in it's infancy compared to Egypt.
Sighing softly, stretching out once he was in the sun, they'd barely ate breakfast before using the Portkey. He was definitely having an early lunch, he was hungry. The smell of the food being prepared reminded him of that, as his stomach grumbled a little in complaint. He'd grown used to decent meals every single day, a full plate at that too.
Time to join his family, Tom thought, a family, something he'd desperately desired as a child. Before real life taught him that families were an illusion, that they just broken people. Or so he'd thought. That children were used and broken by those families too. He'd sworn never to let that weakness infect him, then along came someone who challenged his convictions, made him challenge his own sense of self, how he operated and more importantly…remade him. Showed him that families could mean strength, happiness and freedom…more reason to fight, to better the world, it was like he'd been living in black and white and with Hadrian…he saw everything in a technicolour.
Following the pull of the bond, not even bothering to attempt to find the pool any other way. The area they had picked was calm and quiet, good. His dark eyes sought out his husbands, eternally drawn to him, orbiting him. Always in awe of the powerhouse he was and the power he hid so effortlessly. The kindness that balanced with his vindictiveness.
Watching and feeling the immense happiness, sheer thrill, childish glee and beaming pride exude from Hadrian. He was enjoying himself, just passing a ball, listening to Fenrir chat about things he wanted to see, do, wanted for himself. Fenrir didn't normally talk that much, ever. Sliding into one of the closest pool loungers, he closed his eyes and relaxed back into it, and just listened.
It was like he as a whole different child. And just because they were here?
"Can we come back after the full moon?" Fenrir asked, jumping, smacking his hand against the ball, his feet and hands wrinkled beyond reason. He didn't much care, he was having too much fun, he liked it here, it was warm and sunny… "Can we get a pool like this back home?"
Fenrir was aware that they would be home by the full moon, but the concept of time wasn't something child would really fully understand. It was just numbers to them, words really.
"Maybe a hot tub," Hadrian said, smacking the ball back, he wasn't sure whether Muggles made them yet or not, but for wizards it would be a piece of cake. As would pools, but they didn't really get all that much warm weather to indulge in pools unless…he makes it indoors and makes the room warmer so it would be more enjoyable.
Fenrir squealed as he was unable to reach the ball in time, snatching it out of the water he tried to smack it again but it went straight into the net. Scrambling over, he tried again, and again, failing each time and becoming increasingly frustrated.
"Fenrir," Hadrian said firmly, causing the young boy to stare up at him, amber eyes showing his frustration and confusion at being called out. "Take a deep breath, throw the ball in the air and hit it, there's no need to get frustrated," he soothed the youngster, giving him a reassuring smile. The Greyback's might have allowed temper tantrums or just not cared, and he might have had them when things didn't go his way on his own…but it couldn't happen now. They had adopted Fenrir before they even finished Hogwarts, they'd be watched closely to ensure Fenrir was being raised right. To pureblood standards, and tantrums were okay out of public eye, but in public? Definitely not okay, and that wasn't just the pureblood's. This time was vastly different to his own when it came to child rearing. Smacking a kid was considered right here, but in his time? Illegal, not that it had stopped Vernon of course…children here were to be seen and not heard. Petunia and Dudley wouldn't have lasted five minutes.
Hadrian laughed softly, grinning widely, as Fenrir succeeded, "Well done!" he cheered him on.
'And what has you so amused?' Tom asked through their link from where he lay, making a mental note to get a pair of sunglasses. Not just any pair of course, a good pair. Just because they can talk to one another…didn't mean they could read each other's thoughts. Of course, the burst of savage amusement he'd just felt was different from the amusements he'd been feeling for the last hour and half, and yes, that's how long they'd been at poolside surprisingly.
By the looks of it though, Fenrir was beginning to become bored with their current activities.
'Just imagining Petunia and Dudley surviving here and the looks on peoples faces if Dudley had a massive tempter tantrum…while hitting his mum,' Hadrian said, the mental picture of people's horror was hilarious though and it continued to bleed through the bond.
'They wouldn't last two minutes' Tom said imperiously 'Muggles!' he sniffed in distain. Hidden behind that distain was anger, genuine seething fury, he couldn't wait until he could get his hands on those who had hurt his husband. He knew all the names and was just waiting for the right time…which gave him ample time to plot and plan exactly what he wanted to do with them.
Hadrian just gave him a look, smirking wryly, despite his 'distaste' for Muggles, he didn't try to stop him sending a weekly shop from the Peverell-Slytherin larder to the orphanage. All home grown stuff, fruit, vegetables, some meat, the rest of their funds could go to spices and herbs and such as well as hopefully, some things for the children. They'd been doing it ever since this place was up and running, they didn't use enough to worry about not having enough left for themselves. There was just no point to wasting food when there were children going hungry. Hadrian wouldn't have it.
"Bored?" Hadrian asked seeing that Fenrir was just floating around now, not even bothering to throw the ball, not surprising. This had kept his attention far greater than he had thought.
Fenrir nodded, "Can we do something else now?"
"We can," Hadrian said, as he walked over to the edge of the pool and hoisted himself out. "Have you found anything of interest?"
"Plenty," Tom said smugly, "But there's a market a mile away that might be of interest today," handing over that particular pamphlet.
Hadrian grinned when he saw that the stalls housed a lot of books, "Now if Fenrir is bored here, he's definitely going to be bored there." He said dryly, "I guess I'll investigate the other stalls with him…" hopefully Tom wouldn't be busy for more than an hour, he got lost in books when he was around them, but he didn't read anywhere near as much as he wished he could.
"There will be food," Tom declared, "It's lunch, I shouldn't take longer than that," he'd join them later, but he wasn't leaving without a full meal in his stomach.
"It will be authentic Egyptian cuisine," Tom added, something they wished to do, experience Egypt in its entirety, including the food.
"Sounds good actually," Hadrian nodded, "Alright," not even bothering to dry himself, the sun was burning brightly. He would have probably already been bright red if not for the spells, he burnt very easily. Fenrir though…he didn't think Fenrir did, it might have been dirt he saw on the elder version, but he didn't think so, Fenrir had been tanned, evidently he must have spent a lot of time away from Britain…not that he could blame him. Not only had he been a wanted werewolf, but detested for the simple reason of being one. They still had a bit of time before lunch, "Walking?" they had no reason to rush anywhere, they could take their time and truly experience all that Egypt had to offer.
"It will help pass the time," Tom agreed, and exhaust Fenrir for tonight, he did intend to spend every single night with his husband without interruption. So, as long as they were active during the day to the point that Fenrir was tired come night he would consider the holiday a big success.
"Fenrir, time to go!" Hadrian called to his son, and Fenrir was his son in all but blood. Thankfully the laws in this time didn't prevent a werewolf from becoming heirs and Lord's of estates, not that Fenrir would actually become the Lord of the estate…he and Tom didn't plan on going anywhere.
Fenrir scrambled out, the fear of being left behind always had him reacting that way, some things he guessed wouldn't change. Hadrian helped him out of his 'floaties' shrunk them and allowed Fenrir to carry them in his pocket when he asked.
He didn't ask where they were going, quite happy to clutch Hadrian's hand and watch everything going by, in the hotel, and the streets when they left. "What's that?" he perked up, staring at the oddest thing he'd ever seen.
"That is a Camegle," Hadrian said wryly, a cross between a Camel and an Eagle, he'd never seen one in real life before just books. It was the oddest sight, seeing wings on a camels hump, thankfully though, they couldn't actually fly, they could glide for a time, but that was it. the Camel was too heavy for it's wings to carry it anywhere. "Shall we look for a book on different creatures?" Hadrian suggested to Fenrir who nodded eagerly, not taking his eyes on the odd looking creature he'd just encountered.
Thankfully it was moving long the other side of the pasture with them, so that Tom, Hadrian and Fenrir could continue their walk towards the market. The market could be seen from a distance, it was massive, they could be here all day and still not see it in its entirety.
"Merlin, it's…massive," Hadrian commented, roaming over the markets and stalls he could see, the sun beating down on them all.
"It is," Tom agreed, "One of the biggest ones, according to what I read, and more importantly, has everything conceivable."
"You probably should have brought your trunk," Hadrian said dryly, thank Merlin they didn't need to worry about weight restrictions, because the amount of books Tom was going to buy…they'd need to install another library.
"Perhaps in next bedroom… the knock down the wall, install a private library there? Along with a study?" Tom suggested, almost as if he could read Hadrian's thoughts on the subject. "One for both of us, turn the individual ones into something else…an entertainment room?"
"I don't see why not," Hadrian mused, it wasn't as if they kept secrets from each other, or had the need to hide projects they were working on since nine times out of ten they asked each other's opinions on certain things or read over their work. The bond made keeping secrets impossible anyway, and that's why it had been chosen for them. plus, one could be converted into a pool room for Fenrir. He seemed to like the water, and so sue him, he liked spoiling him in a reasonable way.
Stepping into the market…was another whole new experience, the noise was…intense. Haggling, calling out for people to come to their stalls, shouting out prices and it was just wow.
"That's rather uncouth," Tom stated sharply, glaring at those responsible for irritating his eardrums.
They got steady louder as they passed, each one determined to see them come to their stand for items.
"I'm surprised…it's as though they can sense we have money," Hadrian said amused, "We don't look any different from the other tourists,"
"Are you kidding? The hotel workers probably revealed we're here," Tom replied dryly, they were in penthouse for Merlin's sake, that screamed money if nothing else. They looked after their own, no surprise, something Tom actually approved of.
"Perhaps," Hadrian murmured, he didn't like to think they would risk it by doing something so 'uncouth' as Tom pointed out.
"Look a wolf!" Fenrir said, his finger jerking towards the figure repeatedly, "He has a wolf!"
"Go ahead, I'll be at the next stall," Tom replied, already making a beeline for the books.
"I think that's a Jackal, Fenrir," Hadrian commented, close enough for the wizard selling them to hear.
"No, he's often mistaken as Anubis but this is Wepwawet," the Egyptian wizard corrected Hadrian, but respectfully. "He was considered a war deity, in late Egyptian history."
Hadrian noticed that he didn't say mythology but actual history, interesting. He could also feel Tom's interest, he was clearly listening.
"Wepwawet is a wolf?" Hadrian enquired, it could be another way to help Fenrir feel proud of his werewolf.
"He is," the wizard stated proudly. "Wepwawet was seen as a wolf deity, thus the Greek name of Lycopolis, meaning city of wolves, and it is likely the case that Wepwawet was originally just a symbol of the Pharaoh, seeking to associate with wolf-like attributes, that later became deified as a mascot to accompany the pharaoh." Slightly surprised by the child's desire to have the figure.
"Do you have any simple books regarding this and other figures?" Hadrian queried. Something that Fenrir could read on his own perhaps…when he learned, but it might be a while before that.
"Not here, but you'll find them in the market without a problem," the wizard explained, and that much he knew, everything you could possibly want from clothes to books were available in dozens upon dozens of stalls.
Fenrir gazed up at Hadrian with wide eyes, excited to know more.
"I'll take three, this one and the bigger figures at the back," Hadrian gestured towards the Wepwawet figures, they'd go somewhere in the manor. They'd find a lovely place for them somewhere, maybe on the landing beside Fenrir's room. "Shrunk down, please," he added, obviously, he wasn't going to walk around the market with them floating behind him. He'd buy as much as he could about Egyptian mythology, he had a feeling Fenrir was going to be utterly fascinated with it.
Perhaps he should buy Fenrir information on Roman mythology for his birthday or Christmas.
"Can I carry it?" Fenrir asked, his fingers twitching as if to grab it and not let go. He wanted to see it properly. It was a replica of the real thing, just something to enjoy, they weren't going to be selling genuine items on the market.
"Sure," Hadrian agreed, if he dropped it, it was easily repaired, the wizard passed it over as he shrank down the two bigger ones and slotted them easily into a box for the wizard.
Informing the wizard of the price, expecting haggling only to blink almost stupidly as the exact amount was handed over without pause. He took the coins and handed over the purchased items, thanking him.
"Have a good day," Hadrian informed the wizard, as he slotted them into his pocket, they were waterproof, hence his book which he had shrunk down in his pocket was also dry. "Ready to go?" he asked Fenrir who was busy staring at his figure every which way he could.
Fenrir nodded, grasping Hadrian's hand keeping a tight grip of his new wolf, they were off, but not far, stopping beside Tom who was indeed haggling over the price for a dozen books. The witch he was haggling over almost looked too happy to try and get the best price she could for her haul.
Hadrian pressed a hand against Tom's back, 'Let her have her win' he said through the bond, 'They're probably worth more than what she's selling them for.' and Tom would more than likely sell half of those books if he found his interest in them lacking. "Remember to buy something so you can understand Egyptian,"
"Of course, already on top," Tom gestured towards the book that was noticeably newer compared to the others. "Very well," he sighed exaggeratingly, agreeing to her price, watching surprise flash over her features before sheer delight took its place. Hadrian was quite correct, they were probably worth a lot more than he was paying for them.
"Here, I'll take this," Hadrian said, plucking the bag with the pyramids and sphynx on it, handing over a galleon and telling her to keep the change. The books as well as the shrunk figures were put inside.
By the time they were through looking at everything in one section of the market, they'd managed to nearly plough through nearly half the money they'd brought with them for their stay. During their lunch Tom had suggested visiting the local Gringotts branch for more funds, "Not many places will accept payment through cards or cheques" which was true enough, so far only the hotel had.
Hadrian had agreed, they'd been rather reckless with their money, but that's what holidays were for. He certainly held no regrets over it that was for damn certain. Most of it had been books though, and things that Fenrir had seen and hadn't asked for.
By dinner Fenrir was already slowing down at that point, showing signs of being tired, and he had stopped taking naps a while ago insisting that 'I'm not a baby' and with his recovery allowing it, well, they hadn't insisted. He'd asked to be allowed to be transfigured and to go into the water as a crocodile, which Hadrian had allowed. Seeing as the witch was actually held a Mastery in Transfiguration, producing her credentials at Tom's insistence before any agreement was reached. Fenrir had spent over an hour and a half in the pool before Hadrian gestured for him to return, it was time for dinner.
"It's going to take us at least four days to get though the entire market," Hadrian said, "If this is the biggest one and you want to visit them all…we won't accomplish that and visit everywhere we wanted to visit." Pointing out the obvious as they sat enjoyed their dinner.
Fenrir was slowly and tiredly – but positively glowing – making his way through his dinner. His hair had dried, leaving his light brown hair to fly away in the light breeze from where they sat on the balcony. They'd booked it that way so they could eat in peace without the buzz of everyone else's conversation. His statue was still at the table, he hadn't let it out of his sight since the market, except for his dip in the pool as a crocodile but left it in safe hands.
Hadrian almost never wanted him to grow up, to stay this young and innocent forever, where they could protect him from the world. He didn't even want to see a gleam of the old Fenrir on this little one. Green eyes gleamed viciously, one glance shared between the two, they were both silently in agreement, anyone who dared to try would meet sticky ends.
"Perhaps we all should have an early night tonight?" Tom suggested, a subtle smirk playing across his face.
"Is that what you want to start calling it?" Hadrian teased wryly, drinking the last of his butterbeer, which tasted vastly different to British butterbeer. There was an alcoholic one and a child's one, and the alcoholic one was strong. "Mmm, lovely, I'll need to start importing this stuff," much better than the stuff back home by a long shot.
"That will cost a fortune," Tom pointed out amused, normally Hadrian disliked spending a lot of money on things. The only exception thus far had been for food and the manor, heck even gifts to prove points but that was quite rare. It had only happened a few times after all.
"Hardly a fortune," Hadrian laughed, eyes gleaming with merriment, "Come on you, lets get you to bed," he told Fenrir, who was almost falling asleep in his empty plate.
Tom stood immediately picking up Fenrir's wolf, and following Hadrian who had Fenrir leaning heavily against him but walking under his own power. Yes, he couldn't wait until he got Hadrian alone tonight, shifting to conceal his sudden problem. Which thankfully wasn't bad enough to call attention to it.